Inserting device for deformable intraocular lens

ABSTRACT

An insertion device for inserting a deformable intraocular lens into the eye. The insertion device has a an enclosing member that is attached to the body of the insertion device and that has two hinge portions at a lens receiving section. Further, a retainer member is fitted onto the enclosing member and a holder fitted onto the body. The deformable intraocular lens is placed in the lens receiving section after the enclosing member is opened. When the holder is retracted, the intraocular lens is deformed by a tapered inner wall portion formed at a the tip end of the holder, so that the exterior size of the lens is reduced. Subsequently, a push rod supported by the body is advanced in order to insert the lens into the eye.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an insertion device for inserting adeformable intraocular lens into the eye. Examples of such a deformableintraocular lens include a deformable intraocular lens that is insertedinto the eye in place of the natural lens when the latter is physicallyextracted because of cataracts, and a vision correction lens that isinserted into the eye for the sole purpose of vision correction.

2. Description of the Related Art:

Implantation of an intraocular lens for treating cataract has beenwidely performed since 1949, when Ridley implanted for the first time anartificial lens, i.e., intraocular lens into the human eye in place ofan opaqued natural lens during cataract surgery.

The intraocular lens used first had an optical portion made ofpolymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The implantation of the intraocular lenswas accompanied by complications which occurred after the cataractsurgery. Many ophthalmologists have shown interest in the complicationsand have studied them. As a result, most of the problems have beensolved. However, since the optical portion is made of a hard material,an incision for implantation of such an intraocular lens must have adimension somewhat greater than the diameter of the optical portion.Since an incision to be formed in the eyeball is large, in the degree ofastigmatism after surgery increases due to suture of the incision.

A method of surgery has been pointed out as a cause of theabove-mentioned complications. That is, the conventional surgery forextracting a natural lens because of cataract has been performed byusing an ECCE (extracapsular cataract extraction) operation technique inwhich a lens is extracted without crushing it. Since this operationtechnique has required formation of an incision of about 10 mm, theoperation caused astigmatism quite often. To solve this problem, atechnique called pharmacoemulsification (PEA) using an ultrasonicemulsification/suction apparatus has been developed recently. In thismethod, an opaqued natural lens is crushed and emulsified usingultrasonic waves emitted from a cylindrical ultrasonic chip, and issucked for extraction. When this method is used, the size of an incisionformed in the eyeball can be decreased to a size sufficient forinsertion of the cylindrical ultrasonic chip. A crushed lens can beextracted through an incision of about 3 to 4 mm. Therefore, this methodmakes it possible to perform the extraction operation by forming only asmall incision, which mitigates the astigmatism after the operation.However, since the optical portion is made of a hard material, anincision for implantation of such an intraocular lens must have adimension somewhat greater than the diameter of the optical portion, asmentioned above. In the case of a standard intraocular lens having anoptical portion of 6.0 mm, an incision having a size equal to or greaterthan 6.5 mm must be formed. Therefore, even if an opaqued natural lensis extracted through a small incision using pharmacoemulsification, theincision must be widened so as to insert an intraocular lens.Accordingly, the problem of astigmatism occurring after surgery due tothe large incision has not been solved.

In order to mitigate astigmatism after surgery, improved intraocularlenses have been developed which can decrease the size of incisions.Examples of such improved lenses include an intraocular lens having anoval optical portion which is inserted into an incision such that itssmaller radius is oriented in the direction of the incision, and anintraocular lens with an optical portion having a reduced diameter.However, each of these intraocular lenses still has a hard opticalportion. Therefore, employment of these intraocular lenses decreases theincision size only to about 5.5 mm (i.e., only by about 1 mm).

In order to solve the above-described fundamental problems, intraocularlenses themselves have been improved recently. Such an improvedintraocular lens is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open(kokai) No. 58-146346. In the intraocular lens, at least an opticalportion is made of a deformable elastic material having a predeterminedmemory characteristic. Alternatively, at least an optical portion ismade of an elastic material having a predetermined memorycharacteristic, and supports are provided which are made of a materialdifferent from that of the optical portion and are adapted to supportthe optical portion within an eye. Moreover, as disclosed in JapanesePatent Application Laid-Open (kokai) Nos. 58-146346, 4-212350, 5-103803,5-103808, 5-103809, and 7-23990 improved insertion tools have beenproposed. Using these tools, the optical portion of an intraocular lensis compressed, rolled, bent, stretched, or folded so as to reduce itsexterior size, thereby making it possible to insert the intraocular lensthrough a small incision. These intraocular lenses and insertion toolstherefor make it possible to perform surgery by forming only a smallincision, thereby mitigating astigmatism after surgery.

FIGS. 32 to 35 show the conventional deformable intraocular lenses. Thedeformable intraocular lens shown in FIG. 32 is composed of a circularoptical portion 2 and two symmetrically disposed supports 3. Thecircular optical portion 2 is made of an elastic material havingpredetermined memory characteristics. The supports 3 are made of amaterial different from that of the optical portion 2, and the bases 3aof the supports 3 are embedded in the peripheral region of the opticalportion 2 for fixing, while the wire-shaped tails 3b are curved. Theoptical portion 2 has on the periphery thereof projections 2a forreinforcing the positions where the bases 3a of the supports 3 areembedded. The deformable intraocular lens 1 shown FIG. 33 is configuredin the same manner as is the deformable intraocular lens of FIG. 32except that the projections 2a are omitted. Each of the deformableintraocular lenses shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 is composed of a circularoptical portion 2 and a pair of thin plate-shaped support portions 4that are integral with the optical portion 2. The optical portion 2,like the optical portion 2 shown in FIG. 32, is made of an elasticmaterial having predetermined memory characteristics. The supportportions 4 are projected from the periphery of the optical port 2 inopposite directions.

An insertion device disclosed in, for example, Japanese PatentApplication Laid-Open (kokai) No. 7-23991 is used for deformableintraocular lenses, as shown in FIGS. 32 to 35, each of which iscomposed of the optical portion 2 and the support portions 3 or 4, ofwhich at least the optical portion 2 has predetermined memorycharacteristics. The deformable intraocular lens 1 is folded in order toreduce its exterior size and is advanced along an insertion tube having,for example, a cylindrical shape, in order to be inserted into the eyethrough an incision formed in the eyeball.

FIGS. 26(a), 26(b) and 27 show the structure and operation of theconventional insertion device. First, an enclosing member 5 of theinsertion device having a hinge portion 6 is opened. A deformableintraocular lens is placed on a lens receiving section 7 such that thelens engages grooves 9a and 9b. Subsequently, the enclosing member 5 isclosed so as to reduce the exterior size of the deformable intraocularlens and hold it. The grooves 9a and 9b become shallower toward theinsertion-tube side of the lens receiving section 7. However, thegrooves 9a and 9b extend up to the rear end of the lens receivingsection 7 while maintaining constant depth. Since the grooves 9a and 9bconverge at the front side with respect to the direction along which thelens is pushed out, the position where the lens is to be placed can bedetermined with reference to the converged portions. However, since thegrooved structure continues unchanged to the rear end, no reference forpositioning exists at the rear side, rendering the positioningdifficult. Further, when the enclosing member 5 is closed, thedeformable intraocular lens placed in the lens receiving section maymove rearward.

After the operation of placing the intraocular lens on the lensreceiving section 7 and closing the enclosing member 5, an engagementmember 15 provided on a device body 12 is moved toward the lensreceiving section 7, while the closed state is maintained, so that theengagement member 15 engages the enclosing member 5 to maintain theclosed state thereof.

After completion of the entire operation for setting the lens, a pushrod 13 of the insertion device is advanced to push forward thedeformable intraocular lens received in the enclosing member 5. As aresult, the deformable intraocular lens is inserted into the eye throughthe tip end of a insertion tube 11 provided at the front end of theenclosing portion, which tip end can be inserted into the eye through asmall incision formed on the eye ball.

However, in the conventional insertion device, a hinge portion 6projects outward with respect to the grooves 9a and 9b formed in thelens receiving section 7. Therefore, when a deformable intraocular lensis placed on the lens receiving section 7 having such a configuration,as shown in FIG. 30, the deformable intraocular lens 1 interferes withthe hinge portion 6 and curves. If the deformable intraocular lens 1 isallowed to remain in such a state for a long period of time, the lens 1deforms with time.

Accordingly, immediately before the lens is inserted into the eye theoperation of placing the deformable intraocular lens must be performedquickly, and therefore, the lens cannot be placed on the lens receivingsection 7 in advance. That is, before insertion of the deformableintraocular lens into the eye, there is always required an operation forplacing the lens on the lens receiving section 7. Further, during theplacement operation, the lens must be precisely placed at a properposition. However, the operation for precise and quick placement of thelens at a proper position is very difficult, because the intraocularlens and the lens receiving section 7 are both very small, resulting inthe problem that an imprecise placement operation causes an insertionfailure, such as abnormal insertion of the intraocular lens into theeye.

Meanwhile, insertion of a lens into the eye for the sole purpose ofvision correction has recently been performed as an application of theabove-mentioned intraocular lens insertion technique--which has beenused for treatment of cataracts. For the vision correction purpose aswell, there has been developed a lens in which at least the opticalportion is formed of a deformable elastic material having predeterminedmemory characteristics, as in the intraocular lens for cataracttreatment, in order to reduce the size of an incision. Theabove-described insertion device can be used when the deformable visioncorrection lens is to be inserted into the eye through a small incision.

That is, the above-described insertion device has enabled insertion of adeformable intraocular lens, such as a deformable intraocular lens forcataract treatment or a deformable vision correction lens, into the eyethrough a small incision.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first object of the present invention is to provide an insertiondevice for a deformable intraocular lens, which device allows anoperator to omit an operation of placing a lens on an enclosing member,through an operation of engaging the peripheral edge of the lens withthe enclosing member in advance.

A second object of the present invention is to provide an insertiondevice for a deformable intraocular lens, which device prevents movementof a lens after placement on the enclosing member and lets the operatorknow a location in the lens receiving section where the lens to beplaced.

A third object of the present invention is to provide an insertiondevice for a deformable intraocular lens, which device allowssimultaneous performance, for simplified operation, of two independentoperations of deforming a lens and bringing the deformed lens into aheld state.

In order to achieve the first object, the insertion device for adeformable intraocular lens according to the present invention has astructure in which a plurality of hinge portions provided in theenclosing member allow the peripheral edge of a deformable intraocularlens to engage the enclosing member, so that the lens can be held by theenclosing member in a state in which the optical portion of the lenssubstantially does not come into contact the enclosing portion.

The insertion device for a deformable intraocular lens according to thepresent invention may have another structure which allows the peripheraledge of a deformable intraocular lens to engage the enclosing memberwithout use of the hinge portions and which deforms the deformableintraocular lens with movement of the lens.

In order to achieve the second object, the insertion device for adeformable intraocular lens according to the present invention has astructure in which grooves are formed in the lens receiving section ofthe enclosing member such that the grooves converge at the front andrear ends of the lens receiving section.

In order to achieve the third object, the insertion device for adeformable intraocular lens according to the present invention has astructure in which the operation of closing the enclosing member todeform an intraocular lens within the enclosing member to thereby reduceits exterior size and the operation of bringing the deformed lens into aheld state can be performed simultaneously through a single operation;i.e., movement of a holder of the insertion device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other objects, features and many of the attendant advantages ofthe present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomesbetter understood by reference to the following detailed description ofthe preferred embodiments when considered in connection with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an insertion device for a deformableintraocular lens according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a main portion of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line A--A in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a main portion of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line B--B in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line C--C in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line D--D in FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a state in which an intraocular lensplaced in the insertion device of FIG. 1 has been deformed;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line E--E in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is an enlarge sectional view taken along line F--F in FIG.10;

FIG. 12 is a plan view of the enclosing member of an insertion devicefor a deformable intraocular lens according to a second embodiment ofthe present invention in which grooves each have a converging portionhaving a different shape;

FIG. 13 is a plan view of the enclosing member of an insertion devicefor a deformable intraocular lens according to a third embodiment of thepresent invention in which grooves each have a converging portion havinga different shape;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged sectional view of the enclosing member of aninsertion device for a deformable intraocular lens according to a fourthembodiment of the present invention in which a lens is placed on theenclosing member in advance;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged sectional view showing a state in which theenclosing member shown in FIG. 14 is closed and held by an engagementmember;

FIGS. 16(a) and 16(b) show a main portion of an insertion device for adeformable intraocular lens according to a fifth embodiment of thepresent invention, wherein FIG. 16(a) is a plan view of the device witha cap member removed, and FIG. 16(b) is a bottom view of the cap member;

FIG. 17 is a sectional view taken along line G--G in FIG. 16 with thecap member attached;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line H--H in FIG. 17;

FIGS. 19(a) and 19(b) show an insertion device for a deformableintraocular lens according to a sixth embodiment of the presentinvention, wherein FIG. 19(a) is a plan view of the device, and FIG.19(b) is a side view of the device;

FIGS. 20(a) and 20(b) show a holder used in the insertion deviceaccording to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG.20(a) is a plan view of the holder, and FIG. 20(b) is a side view of theholder;

FIG. 21 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line I--I in FIG.19(b);

FIG. 22 is a side view showing a method of fitting the enclosing memberinto the holder;

FIG. 23 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line J--J in FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a side view showing a state in which the enclosing member hasbeen fitted into the holder;

FIG. 25 is a sectional view taken along line K--K in FIG. 24;

FIGS. 26a) and 26(b) show a conventional insertion device, wherein FIG.26(a) is a plan view of the device, and FIG. 26(b) is a side view of thedevice;

FIG. 27 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line L--L in FIG.26(b);

FIGS. 28(a) and 28(b) show a state in which the enclosing member of theinsertion device of FIG. 26 is engaged with the engagement member,wherein FIG. 28(a) is a plan view of the device, and FIG. 28(b) is aside view of the device;

FIG. 29 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line M--M in FIG.28(b);

FIG. 30 is an enlarged sectional view showing a state in which adeformable intraocular lens is placed on the lens receiving section ofthe insertion device of FIG. 26;

FIG. 31 is an enlarged sectional view showing a state in which theenclosing member shown in FIG. 30 is closed and held by an engagementmember;

FIG. 32 is an enlarged plan view of a deformable intraocular lens;

FIG. 33 is an enlarged plan view of another deformable intraocular lens;

FIG. 34 is an enlarged plan view of still another deformable intraocularlens; and

FIG. 35 is an enlarged plan view of still another deformable intraocularlens.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference tothe accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 1 to 7 shows an insertion device according to a first embodimentof the present invention. In FIGS. 1 to 7, numeral 10 denotes a body ofthe insertion device; numeral 1 denotes a deformable intraocular lensfor cataract treatment; numeral 5 denotes an enclosing member built intothe body 10; numerals 6a and 6b each denote a hinge portion provided onthe enclosing member 5; numeral 7 denotes a lens receiving section whichis formed upon opening of the enclosing member 5 in order to receive theintraocular lens 1, numeral 8 denotes a holder which is provided on thebody 10 and is adapted to close the enclosing member 5 and maintain theclosed state; numeral 9 denotes an annular retainer member formaintaining the enclosing member 5 in an opened state when thedeformable intraocular lens 1 is to be placed on the lens receivingsection 7; and numeral 11 denotes a push rod which is inserted into thebody 10 and adapted to push out the deformable intraocular lens 1.

The cylindrical base portion 5a of the enclosing member 5 is insertedand fixed to the tip end of the cylindrical body 10. The enclosingmember 5 has the lens receiving section 7 at a longitudinal centerportion thereof, and an insertion tube 15 is integrally formed on thefront side of the lens receiving section 7. The insertion tube 15 istapered such that its diameter decreases toward the tip end. At aportion corresponding to the lens receiving section 7, the enclosingmember 5 has a lower portion having a semicircular cross section, and apair of quadrant-shaped upper portions connected to the lower portionvia the hinges 6a and 6b. When the upper portions (i.e., the enclosingmember 5) are closed, the enclosing member 5 forms a closed cylindricalshape. A groove 13 is formed on the inner surface of eachquadrant-shaped upper portion. A converging portion 14 is formed at theinsertion-sleeve-side and the body-side of the groove 13. In theconverging portion 14, the depth of the groove 13 decreases gradually tozero.

No limitation is imposed on the cross-sectional shape of the lensreceiving section 7 at the time when the enclosing member 5 is closed,and the lens receiving section 7 may have an elliptical cross section ora rectangular cross section when the enclosing member 5 is closed. Also,the cross-sectional shape of the grooves 13 may be changed freely. Theenclosing member 5 is preferably formed from a plastic havingelasticity. The base end 8b of the cylindrical holder 8 is slidably fitonto the outer circumference of the tip end portion of the body 10. Thetapered front portion of the holder 8 has a tapered inner wall 12 whosediameter decreases toward the tip end of the holder 8.

As shown in FIG. 3 and other drawings, the holder 8 has an opening 8aformed in the upper and longitudinal center portion thereof. The portionof the enclosing member 5 corresponding to the lens receiving section 7where the hinges 6a and 6b are provided is located to face the opening8a. The annular retainer member 9 is slidably fitted onto the enclosingmember 5 and the holder 8 at the longitudinal center thereof. A cut-awayportion 9a is formed in the upper portion of the retainer member 9 overthe entire length thereof.

As described above, in the insertion device for a deformable intraocularlens according to the first embodiment, when the quadrant-shaped upperportions of the enclosing member 5 are opened, there is formed the lensreceiving section 7 for receiving the deformable intraocular lens 1. Atthis time, the quadrant-shaped upper portions may be brought into anopened state by the retainer member 9 in advance. Subsequently, thedeformable intraocular lens 1 is placed in the lens receiving section 7such that the peripheral edges of the deformable intraocular lens 1engage with the grooves 13 of the quadrant-shaped upper portions. Sincethe converging portions 14 are formed on the insertion-sleeve-side andthe body-side of the groove 13, the deformable intraocular lens 1 can beplaced while the converging portions 14 are used as a reference forpositioning. In addition, since movement of the deformable intraocularlens 1 along the pushing-out direction is restricted within a rangedefined by the converging portions 14, the deformable intraocular lens 1is prevented from moving within the lens receiving section 7 afterplacement of the deformable intraocular lens 1 immediately beforeinsertion thereof or in advance.

FIGS. 5 to 7 shows cross sections respectively taken along lines B--B,C--C, and D--D in FIG. 3. As is apparent from these drawings, thegrooves 13 are formed at only the portion where the deformableintraocular lens 1 is placed, and at the front and rear sides of thatportion, the grooves 13 disappear due to the converging portions 14.Further, since the hinge portions 6a and 6b are provided at twocircumferential positions, the hinge portions 6a and 6b do not interferewith the deformable intraocular lens 1 supported by the opposed grooves13, and the enclosing member 5 comes into contact with the deformableintraocular lens 1 through only the peripheral edge thereof. Thus, thedeformable intraocular lens 1 is held in an uncurved state in order toprevent generation of plastic deformation with time. Preferably, inorder to attain a sufficient lubrication effect, before the deformableintraocular lens 1 is deformed a lubricant is applied dropwise to aninner surface of the enclosing member 5 in an area beneath thedeformable intraocular lens.

Subsequently, the holder 8 is slid toward the body 10 side, as shown inFIGS. 8 to 11. Due to this sliding movement of the holder 8, the tipends of the quadrant-shaped upper portions opposite the hinge portions6a and 6b come into contact with the tapered inner wall 12 of the holder8, so that the quadrant-shaped upper portions are closed gradually.Thus, the longitudinal center portion of the enclosing member 5 wherethe quadrant-shaped upper portions and the hinge portions 6a and 6bexist are inserted into the smallest-inner-diameter portion of theholder 8, so that the quadrant-shaped upper portions of the enclosingmember 5 are held in an closed state as shown in FIG. 11. During theabove-described operation, the exterior size of the deformableintraocular lens 1 is gradually reduced to the smallest size.Subsequently, the tip end of the insertion tube 15 is inserted into theeye through an incision formed on the eyeball, and the push rod 11 isadvanced. As a result, the deformable intraocular lens 1 is pushed outfrom the tip end of the insertion tube 15 via the interior of theinsertion tube 15, which is contiguous with the lens receiving section7, and is placed in the eye.

In the above-described embodiment, since the groove 13 provided in thelens receiving section 7 has the converging portion 14 at theinsertion-tube-side and the body-side thereof, when the deformableintraocular lens 1 is placed in the lens receiving section 7, theposition of the deformable intraocular lens 1 can be determinedprecisely. Further, since once placed the deformable intraocular lens 1can be fixedly held within the range defined by the converging portions14, the deformable intraocular lens 1 can be placed in the lensreceiving section 7 in advance. This eliminates operation of placing thedeformable intraocular lens 1 immediately before surgery. Further, thelens placed in advance can be held without causing positional shift.

Moreover, after being placed in the lens receiving section 7, thedeformable intraocular lens 1 can be deformed through a simpleoperation; i.e., sliding of the holder 8.

Next, insertion devices according to second and third embodiments of thepresent invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13.In the insertion device of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 12, eachof the converging portions 14 of the opposed grooves 13 has a length andshape substantially corresponding to the shape of the optical portion ofthe deformable intraocular lens 1 to be used. In the insertion device ofthe third embodiment shown in FIG. 13, each of the converging portions14 of the opposed grooves 13 has a length and shape substantiallycorresponding to the shape of support portions oppositely projectingfrom the optical portion of the deformable intraocular lens 1, whichshape is similar to that shown in FIG. 34. The structures of theseembodiments allow the deformable intraocular lens 1 to be placed at thedesigned position more stably, so that insertion of the lens 1 into theeye can be made more reliable.

Other than the above-described features, the insertion devices of thesecond and third embodiments are identical to that of the firstembodiment in terms of structure and operation. Therefore the referencenumerals in FIGS. 12 and 13 are assigned to correspond to those used inthe first embodiment.

In the above-described first through third embodiments, the enclosingmember is closed and held in the closed state through sliding movementof the holder. However, this structure may be replaced with othersuitable structures.

Next, an insertion device according to a fourth embodiment of thepresent invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15.In FIGS. 14 and 15, numeral 5 denotes an enclosing member of theinsertion device; numerals 5a and 5b denotes right and left press platesextending upward from the quadrant-shaped upper portions; numerals 6aand 6b each denote a hinge portion provided on the enclosing member 5;numeral 7 denotes a lens receiving section which is formed upon openingof the enclosing member 5 in order to receive the intraocular lens 1;and numeral 15 denotes an engagement member which is provided separatelyfrom the body and adapted to close the quadrant-shaped upper portionsand hold the closed state.

That is, the enclosing member 5 of the insertion device according to thefourth embodiment differs from the enclosing member 5 having a singlehinge 6 shown in FIGS. 26(a), 26(b), 27, 28(a), 28(b), and 29 in thattwo hinges 6a and 6b are provided at circumferential positions.

In a state where the right and left press plates 5a and 5b are openapart, the deformable intraocular lens 1 for cataract treatment isplaced in the lens receiving section 7 such that the peripheral edge ofthe lens 1 engages the grooves 9a and 9b. Subsequently, the right andleft press plates 5a and 5b are brought into contact with each other inorder to reduce the exterior size of the lens 1 and hold it.

Therefore, the deformable intraocular lens 1 can be placed in the lensreceiving section 7 in advance and then inserted into the eye in thesame manner as in the first embodiment.

Next, an insertion device according to a fifth embodiment of the presentinvention will be described with reference to FIGS. 16(a), 16(b), 17 and18. FIG. 16(a) is a plan view of the device with a cap member removed;and FIG. 16(b) is a bottom view of the cap member; FIG. 17 is asectional view taken along line G--G in FIG. 16; and FIG. 18 is anenlarged sectional view taken along line H--H in FIG. 17. As shown inFIG. 35, the deformable intraocular lens 1 used in this embodiment iscomposed of a circular optical portion 2, a pair of thin plate-shapedsupport portions 4, and a peripheral edge portion 4a. The deformableintraocular lens 1 is made of an elastic material having predeterminedmemory characteristics. The support portions 4 are projected from theperiphery of the optical portion 2 in opposite directions (verticalopposite directions in FIG. 35), and the peripheral edge portion 4a areslightly projected from the optical portion 2 rightward and leftward inFIG. 35.

Numeral 5 denotes an enclosing member for receiving the deformableintraocular lens 1, and the base portion of the enclosing member 5 isinserted and fixed to the tip end of the body 12 of the insertiondevice. The enclosing member 5 has a lens receiving section 7 at alongitudinal center portion thereof projected from the body 12. Theenclosing member 5 has an opening 5d at the upper side of the centerportion. Right and left recess grooves 9a and 9b are formed on the upperend surfaces of the enclosing member 5. A tapered insertion tube 11 isintegrally formed on the front side of the lens receiving section 7. Acap member 5e which can be fitted into the opening 5d is provided as apart of the enclosing member 5. The cap member 5e has right and leftrecess grooves 9c and 9d on the lower end surfaces. Further, numeral 13denotes a push rod which has a cut groove 13a at the tip end thereof.

The deformable intraocular lens 1 shown in FIG. 35 is placed into thelens setting section 7 through the opening 5d, and the cap member 5e isfitted to the opening 5d. As a result, the right and left edge portions4a of the optical portion 2 face and engage the right and left recessgrooves 9a and 9b of the enclosing member 5 and the right and leftrecess grooves 9c and 9d of the cap member 5e in such a manner that theoptical portion 2 of the deformable intraocular lens 1 substantiallydoes not contact the enclosing member 5 including the cap member 5e.

In the fifth embodiment, after the cap member 5e is removed from theopening 5d to allow an operator to observe the deformable intraocularlens 1, a lubricant is applied dropwise to an area beneath the lens 1and to the inner surface of the cap member 5e, and the cap member 5e isfitted to the opening 5d to close the opening 5d. Subsequently, the pushrod 13 is advanced so that the rear support portion 4 of the deformableintraocular lens 1 is received by the cut groove 13a formed at the tipof the push rod 13, and is advanced further in order to advance thedeformable intraocular lens 1. When the deformable intraocular lens 1passes through the tapered inner wall portion of the enclosing member 5,the lens 1 reaches in the vicinity of the tip end of the insertion tube11, while the exterior size of the lens 1 is reduced gradually. In thisstate, the tip end of the insertion tube 11 is inserted into an incisionformed on the eyeball, and the push rod 13 is further advanced to insertthe lens 1 into the eye.

Except the above-described features, the insertion devices of the fifthembodiment is substantially identical to that of the first embodiment interms of structure and operation. Therefore, the deception therefor willbe omitted.

Although not illustrated in the drawings, the cap member 5e may beconnected to the enclosing member 5 such that the opening 5d can beopened and closed through swing motion of the cap member 5e. Further, astructure shown in FIG. 18 may employed. That is, engagement projections5f are projected from the front and rear surfaces of the cap member 5e,and engagement depressions 5g are formed in the front and rear walls ofthe opening 5d of the enclosing member 5 such that the engagementprojections 5f and the engagement depressions 5g can be engaged witheach other.

Further, the base portion of the enclosing member 5 may be removablyattached or fixedly attached to the body 12 of the insertion device.

In the first embodiment, the holder is used to close the quadrant-shapedupper portions and to maintain the closed state. However, the firstembodiment may be modified such that the quadrant-shaped upper portionsare closed manually, and the closed sate is maintained through use of anengagement member.

Next, an insertion device according to a sixth embodiment of the presentinvention will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 21. In FIGS.19 to 21, numeral 10 denotes a body of the insertion device; numeral 5denotes an enclosing member of the insertion device; numerals 6a and 6beach denote a hinge portion providing on the enclosing member 5; numeral7 denotes a lens receiving section which is formed upon opening of theenclosing member 5 in order to receive the intraocular lens 1; andnumeral 8 denotes a holder which is provided separately from the body 10and adapted to close the quadrant-shaped upper portions and hold theclosed state.

The holder 8 has a tapered outer surface at the tip end thereof, and aslit 8c is formed in the upper portion of the holder 8 over the entirelength thereof. Further, at the center of the holder 8 is formed athrough hole 8d through which an unillustrated push rod is inserted. Theretainer member used in the first embodiment is omitted. Since themembers other than the above-described members are identical to those ofthe first embodiment, the descriptions therefor will be omitted.

In the insertion device according to the sixth embodiment having theabove-described structure, when the quadrant-shaped upper portions ofthe enclosing member 5 is opened, the lens receiving section 7 is formedon the enclosing member 5. Subsequently, the deformable intraocular lens1 is placed in the lens receiving section 7. In order to obtainsufficient lubrication effect, a lubricant or the like is preferablyapplied to the lens receiving section 7. Subsequently, the enclosingmember 5 into which the deformable intraocular lens 1 is placed isfitted into the holder 8 as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23. Thus, theenclosing member 5 is accommodated within the holder 8, and ismaintained in a completely closed state as shown in FIG. 24 and 25.

Through the above-described operation, the exterior size of thedeformable intraocular lens is reduced. Since the size of the deformableintraocular lens can be reduced through the operation of fitting theenclosing member into the holder, the operation is very easy.

In the sixth embodiment, the enclosing member and the holder arepreferably formed of a transparent material such as a transparent resin.In this case, since the state of the deformed intraocular lens can bechecked, the degree of safety is increased.

In each of other embodiments, the enclosing member and the holder or theengagement member are preferably formed of a transparent material suchas a transparent resin. In this case, since the state of the deformedintraocular lens can be checked, the degree of safety is increased.

In the case where the enclosing member is formed of a transparentmaterial such as a transparent resin and the holder is formed of anopaque material such as metal or opaque resin, an opening serving as anobservation window may be formed in the holder in order to allow anoperator to check the state of the deformed intraocular lens. In thiscase as well, the degree of safety is increased.

In the first to fourth and sixth embodiments, the enclosing member hastwo hinges. However, a larger number of hinge portions may be provided.The above-describe benefits of the present invention can be attained inthis case as well.

In the above-described embodiments, the holder is an independent part.However, there can be employed a structure in which the holder isintegrally built in the body of the insertion device. Also, theenclosing member having hinge portions may be formed as an independentpart. Further, there can be employed a structure in which the holder andthe enclosing member having hinge portions are integrated together andare independent of the body of the insertion device.

In the above-described embodiments, descriptions have been given of thecase where a deformable intraocular lens for cataract treatment isinserted into the eye. However, the present invention can be applied tothe case where other kinds of deformable intraocular lens such as avision correction lens is inserted into the eye. In the above-describedembodiments, the enclosing member is integral with the body of theinsertion device. However, the enclosing member may have a structurethat allows removable attachment of the enclosing member to the body. Inthis case, the enclosing member and/or the body may be repeatedly usedthrough sterilization.

In the above-described embodiments, a push rod is employed to push out adeformable intraocular lens into the eye. However, other mechanisms maybe employed to push out the deformable intraocular lens into the eye.

In the fifth embodiment, when the enclosing member is formed of atransparent material such as a transparent resin, the state of thedeformed intraocular lens can be checked, so that the degree of safetyis increased.

In the above-described embodiments, a deformable intraocular lens isheld such that only the peripheral edge portion of the lens contacts theenclosing member. When a deformable intraocular lens having supportportions projected from the optical portion with an angle is used, inaddition to the structure for supporting the peripheral portion of thelens, there may be employed a structure for supporting the supportportions of the lens by a part of the enclosing member or anotherindependent member in order to maintain the angle formed between thesupport portions and the optical portion.

Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the presentinvention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is thereforeto be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, thepresent invention may be practiced otherwise than as specificallydescribed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. An insertion device for inserting into the eye adeformable intraocular lens in which at least an optical portion isformed of an elastic material having predetermined memorycharacteristics or a deformable intraocular lens in which at least anoptical portion is formed of an elastic material having predeterminedmemory characteristics and which has a supporting portion for supportingthe optical portion within the eye, wherein said insertion devicecomprises an enclosing member for receiving and holding the deformableintraocular lens in an enclosed manner, said enclosing member having aplurality of hinge portions.
 2. An insertion device for inserting intothe eye a deformable intraocular lens in which at least an opticalportion is formed of an elastic material having predetermined memorycharacteristics and which has a supporting portion made of a materialdifferent from that of the optical portion and adapted to support theoptical portion within the eye, wherein said insertion device comprisesan enclosing member for receiving and holding the deformable intraocularlens in an enclosed manner, said enclosing member having a plurality ofhinge portions.
 3. An insertion device for a deformable intraocular lensaccording to claim 1, wherein said deformable intraocular lens is placedin said enclosing member in advance.
 4. An insertion device forinserting into the eye a deformable intraocular lens in which at leastan optical portion is formed of an elastic material having predeterminedmemory characteristics or a deformable intraocular lens in which atleast an optical portion is formed of an elastic material havingpredetermined memory characteristics and which has a supporting portionfor supporting the optical portion within the eye, said insertion devicecomprising:(a) an enclosing member for receiving and holding thedeformable intraocular lens in an enclosed manner, wherein saidenclosing member has two or more hinge portions that allows saidenclosing member to be closed in order to deform the deformableintraocular lens; and (b) a holder for closing said enclosing member andmaintaining the closed state.
 5. An insertion device for a deformableintraocular lens according to claim 4, wherein said enclosing memberhaving said hinge portions has grooves on the inner surface in order toreceive and hold the deformable intraocular lens.
 6. An insertion devicefor a deformable intraocular lens according to claim 4, wherein saidenclosing member having said hinge portions and said holder areintegrally built in a body of the insertion device.
 7. An insertiondevice for a deformable intraocular lens according to claim 4, whereinsaid enclosing member having said hinge portions is an independent part.8. An insertion device for a deformable intraocular lens according toclaim 4, wherein said holder is an independent part.
 9. An insertiondevice for a deformable intraocular lens according to claim 4, whereinsaid enclosing member having said hinge portions and said holder areintegrated together and are separated from a body of the insertiondevice.
 10. An insertion device for a deformable intraocular lensaccording to claim 4, wherein said enclosing member having said hingeportions and said holder are transparent.
 11. An insertion device for adeformable intraocular lens according to claim 4, wherein said enclosingmember having said hinge portions is transparent and said holder has anopening serving as an observation window.
 12. An insertion device forinserting into the eye a deformable intraocular lens in which at leastan optical portion is formed of an elastic material having predeterminedmemory characteristics or a deformable intraocular lens in which atleast an optical portion is formed of an elastic material havingpredetermined memory characteristics and which has a supporting portionfor supporting the optical portion within the eye, said insertion devicecomprising:(a) an enclosing member for receiving and holding thedeformable intraocular lens in an enclosed manner, said enclosing memberhaving at least one hinge portion that allows said enclosing member tobe closed in order to deform the deformable intraocular lens; (b) aholder for closing said enclosing member and maintaining the closedstate; and (c) a retainer member for maintaining said enclosing memberhaving said at least one hinge portion in an opened sate when thedeformable intraocular lens is placed in said enclosing member.